Auto-populate the Lookup Field with Process Builder

Note: Creating a new process is no longer possible as the function is getting retired. You can only edit the existing processes and workflows. For details, please refer to the article below.
Workflow Rules & Process Builder End of Support

In this example, there is a custom object with lookup relationship to Accounts as well as Contacts. In order to auto populate Account field with Contact’s Account. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Process

1. From Setup, enter Builder in the Quick Find box, and select Process Builder.
2. Click New to create a new Process.
3. Define Process Name
4. For The process starts when, select “A record changes”
5. Click Save.

Step 2: Choose Object and Specify When to start the Process

1. Click Add Object 
2. Select the Object on which you want to create the Process.
3. Under ‘Start the process’, click when a record is created or edited.
4. Click Save.

Step 3: Define Criteria

1. Click Add Criteria.
2. Define the Criteria Name.
3. Under ‘Criteria for Executing Actions’ select Conditions are met.
4. Under ‘Set Conditions’ select the Contact field,

1. Select Operator as Does not equal
2. In Type select Global Constant 
3. In Value select $GlobalConstant.Null

5. Under ‘Conditions’ select All of the conditions are met(AND).
6. Click Save.

Step 4: Define Immediate Actions 

1. Click Add Action under Immediate Actions.
2. Select the Action type as Update Records.
3. Define Action Name.
4. Click Select a record to update and choose the object whose record needs to be updated with this Process
5. Under ‘Criteria for Updating Records’ select No Criteria.
6. For ‘Set new field Values’ select the field as  Account (which we need to update), ‘Type’ should be Reference In ‘Value’ first select the Contact> and from Contact ->AccountID.
7. Click Save.

Step 5: Activate the Process

1. Click Activate at the top right hand corner of the screen to activate the process.
2. Click Ok on Activate Version screen.

Your process is now active and would help you to update value on the Lookup field on Account object.

Note:  Be sure to review our Considerations for Relationships the objects.

Note: Process Builder and Workflows will be retired on December 31st, 2025. It is highly recommended that you migrate Process Builder and Workflow to Flow Builder, prior to the deadline. More information can be found here Workflow Rules & Process Builder End of Support.